Representatives from the hospitality, arts and culture and leisure industries as well as property owners from across the borough have exchanged ideas and aspirations at a new networking event which explored the potential for Waverley to establish itself as a leading area for the film and television industries.
They were joined by the organisers, Waverley Borough Council, the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and Creative England at the UCA in Farnham (on Wednesday 29 June) to discuss the benefits, opportunities and potential impacts of attracting Hollywood filmmakers and small independent production companies to the borough.
Councillor Kika Mirylees, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Parks and Leisure, said “Waverley has much to offer studios and production teams and there are lots of potential benefits to local people and businesses. We need to make sure that any activity works for the borough and its residents, so it was really important to get as many people as possible in the room.
“We had an excellent turn-out and lively discussion. People could even add their skills as crew onto the Creative England database during the event. If you have any service you can offer to film companies coming here - accommodation, first aiding, film crewing, catering etc - then get on the database.”
Waverley’s towns and villages have already been used in several popular films, such as the Harry Potter films, Transformers: the Last Knight, and Snow White and the Huntsman. The borough’s characterful high streets, varied countryside and historic buildings coupled with a highly qualified local workforce and convenient proximity to London, makes Waverley a highly attractive option for film companies.
Councillor Liz Townsend, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development continued:
“The film and television sector helps to support the local visitor economy which is worth over £200 million each year to the area and employs over 7,000 people. There is lots of potential for more filming in Waverley to support a wide variety of local businesses, from carpenters and electricians, to hotels, restaurants and pubs. Owners of interesting or historic buildings can also put their properties forward as potential venues. It is an exciting opportunity to stimulate growth in the local economy.”
Among the speakers were Creative England’s Head of Production Services, Hayley Armstrong, UCA’s Careers and Professional Practice Adviser, Leo Burtin and Councillor Mirylees from Waverley Borough Council. A new short film, Filming in Waverley, which was shown at the event is available to view online at www.businesswaverley.co.uk/film. Film Waverley - YouTube
Waverley Borough Council is keen to hear from other residents or businesses who are interested in developing the idea further but who were unable to attend the event. Contact business.support@waverley.gov.uk at Waverley Borough Council.
To be added as crew on the Creative England database, go to Crew Register - Filming in England (openbrolly.com)
For filming on Waverley Borough Council land visit: Waverley Borough Council - Film Waverley or email: parks&countryside@waverley.gov.uk